Posted on Tue, Sep 07, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
When work begins on your kitchen remodeling project you and your family don’t have to starve but you will have to make other arrangements for meals, especially if it will take several weeks or a month or two to complete the job. Eating out every night is an option but an expensive one.
The key to surviving the construction phase of your project is to plan ahead. It's also important to talk with your contractor about your plans and any special family needs.
Here are some tips to help you and your family survive:
- Set up a temporary kitchen. Find a space, preferably with a sink, like a laundry room or basement that will be out of the way of construction. Be sure there are outlets for appliances.
- Keep it simple. Your temporary kitchen should be set up to prepare simple meals. You will need a microwave oven and small appliances such as a coffee maker, electric griddle, toaster, electric tea pot or electric wok if you have one. Electric woks are great for times like this because you can brown meat and cook vegetables and noodles in them. They are also easy to clean. A panini maker is also a useful appliance. A crock pot is a must have when your kitchen is out of commission.
- Have other supplies on hand. These include a manual can opener, a few knives, spatulas, microwave cookware, a cutting board, plastic wrap and paper towels.
- Talk to your contractor about finding a place for your refrigerator, maybe in the garage or an adjacent room so that you can use it for food storage. To help our clients we provide two burner stoves, hook up temporary sinks and ovens and sometimes set up counters and cabinets depending on their situation.
- Set up an area for small appliances. Ask your contractor to help. A work station could be made of old cabinets or a piece of plywood could be used for a counter.
- Minimize cooking by making meals in advance, freezing them in small portions and reheating them in the microwave.
- Grill outdoors if you can and use your patio and deck furniture for dining. Simple, nutritious meals can be made on the grill and clean up is easy. Try boiling water on the grill for pasta. Put soap on the bottom and external sides of pans to keep them from charring on the grill.
- Use disposable plates, cups, napkins and dinnerware.
- Store food in plastic storage bags that can be thrown out after using.
- Make clean-up easy. Minimize the use of dishes and keep paper towels, liquid dish soap, a kitchen towel or two, a scrubber, surface cleaner spray and hand soap near your sink area.
- Keep your canned, boxed food and sauces organized in low sided boxes in your temporary kitchen. You will want easy access and to be able to see what you have on hand for meals.
- Budget for eating out on the days when demolition or installing hard wood flooring or other construction activities create dust and fumes in your home. Talk with your contractor so that you will know when to plan on dining out. Clip restaurant coupons to save money.
- Be patient. Remember that the end justifies the means. Your remodeled kitchen will make life enjoyable in the years ahead.
Have you remodeled a kitchen in the past? What advice do you have for surviving a kitchen remodeling project?
This is the final article in a series on kitchen remodeling. Please check out these articles:
Posted on Tue, Aug 31, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
You have your plan in hand, you’ve hired a contractor and now the day for beginning your remodeling project is quickly approaching. You need to clear the kitchen and organize the contents. If this seems overwhelming, follow these steps to simplify the process.
- Gather supplies. You will need boxes, newspapers, packing materials, packing tape, masking tape, quart size and gallon size plastic storage bags and markers.
- Pull out items that you use every day such as the coffee maker, tea kettle, pots, skillets, mixing bowls, can openers, vegetable peelers, cooking utensils. During the course of the remodeling project you will need these essentials. To make life easier, use disposable cups, plates and dinnerware. Set aside storage containers for leftovers, food storage bags, foil and plastic wrap. Also, make sure that you have cleaning supplies on hand.
- Pack canned and boxed foods in categories such as breakfast food, canned goods, sauces, pastas, spices, baking supplies, drinks, pet food and cooking oils. Use low-sided open boxes to keep items organized and at-hand during the construction activity.
- Collect items you use infrequently such as holiday dinnerware, specialized bake ware, punchbowls, platters, etc. Pack, mark and store these items in a closet or basement.
- Keep like items together when clearing out your cabinets.
- Set aside things you don’t use anymore for donation. Make a list and estimate the value before you take them to your local donation center. Throw out anything broken or unusable like old plastic storage ware. This is a great time to reduce clutter.
- Reorganize cookbooks and recipes. Create a computer file for your favorite recipes.
- Pack eating utensils in the gallon size plastic storage bags. Use a bag each for knives, forks and spoons. It will make it easy to unpack these items once the kitchen is finished. Do the same with cooking utensils and small gadgets.
- Pack glassware and dinnerware carefully. Even though you are packing these items for a short period of time, things can get broken in the process of storing them. Wrap fragile items in newspaper or bubble wrap to protect them and seal your boxes with tape. Mark the contents on the outside of each box.
- Take down blinds, curtains, rods and wall decorations. Place the hardware in plastic storage bags and label with masking tape or directly on the bag is there is a place for writing contents. Clean and dust these items if you will be using them again in the remodeled kitchen.
- Cover computer and electronics to protect from dust. You may also want to cover furniture in adjacent rooms that may be affected by dust from the construction area.
- Take down valuable pictures and wall hangings in adjacent rooms that can be knocked off the wall or damaged during the remodeling process.
- Protect your pets. Keep them away from the work area. Dogs and cats can be a danger to themselves and the work crew if they are underfoot. The best option is to keep them in a closed room away from all the work. You can also hire a pet sitter to look after your pets during an extensive remodel.
Do you have any tips to share about preparing for a remodeling project?
This is the fourth article in a 5-part series on kitchen remodeling. Please check out these articles:
Posted on Tue, Aug 10, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Most people begin a kitchen remodeling project with a “wish list” – everything you NEED and WANT in your dream kitchen. To help start your wish list, we’ve developed this handy A-to-Z guide of features you’ll want to consider as you plan and budget for your project:
- Appliances. Research appliance makes and models. Your choices will impact the design of your kitchen and your budget.
- Built-ins. Make a list of items you would want built into the design of your kitchen. Appliances now are made in counter depth sizes to fit into standard cabinetry. Other types of built-ins to consider are banquettes for breakfast areas and appliance “garages” to house microwave ovens, coffee makers and mixers. Don’t forget to factor in a broom closet if your space allows for it.
- Cabinets and Countertops. Visit showrooms to identify the type of cabinets and countertops you want to use in your project. Note the line, style, material, color and finish for cabinets and type of material, edging and colors for countertops.
- Drawers and Desk Areas. Pull-out drawers are great for under-countertop storage. Check them out when you visit showrooms. Many kitchens feature a desk area for a computer and for doing paperwork such as bill paying or meal planning. On the desk you could add a charging station for cell phones and PDAs.
- Electronics. In addition to appliances, computers and flat screen televisions have found a home in the kitchen. Think about adding these to your space along with a cable service.
- Flooring. Flooring in kitchens includes wood, ceramic tile, vinyl, laminate, concrete and carpet. Other materials used are granite, bamboo and marble. Flooring should not only be attractive but easy to maintain and practical. Go to showrooms and read product reviews.
- Galley or Gathering Space. Think about the space in your home. An efficient galley kitchen is a great asset for food prep for a serious cook while space for informal meals and family gatherings is important to households with children and for those who like to entertain. To achieve extra space you may have to extend the kitchen by adding an addition or reconfiguring an underused dining or living room in your plan.
- Hardware. Select hardware that is attractive, easy to clean and fits within your budget. If you’re planning to live in your home for a long time consider easy to use products like cup shaped pulls on drawers and lever handles on doors where appropriate. “Universal Design” ideas can be implemented in your project to create a space that can be used over the course of a lifetime.
- Islands and Peninsulas. Islands and peninsulas are the work stations of a kitchen. Generally they are designed for food prep, informal dining and storage.
- Jewels of the Kitchen. “Jewels” of a kitchen are items you add for aesthetics like pendant lighting, glass cabinets, custom tiles on backsplashes and areas for display of collections.
- Kitchen Triangle. The kitchen triangle considers the placement of the stove, refrigerator and sink/dishwasher area in the design of a kitchen so that a cook can work efficiently. Read our kitchen triangle article for more information.
- Lighting. Lighting is essential to the function of a kitchen. In your plans consider natural sunlight. If your kitchen needs more sunlight, consider skylights and sun tunnels. Your plans should also take into account lighting over work and dining areas and under cabinets. Options for lighting include florescent, halogen and LED. Fixtures to consider for the kitchen are pendant lights, under cabinet units and recessed lights.
- Moldings. Moldings add architectural interest to a kitchen but also finish off cabinetry, doors and flooring. Pay attention to ornamental moldings when you are looking at photos of kitchens.
- Nooks. Nooks or alcoves are recessed areas of a room that can be used for dining or displays. They add interest to a kitchen but also provide functional space.
- Outlets. Add extra outlets to your wish list. If you don’t, you’ll wish you had considered the height and placement of outlets as well as the number to include when you operate small appliances and gadgets in your kitchen.
- Pantry, Pull-out Storage. There is nothing more frustrating than reaching into the recesses of cabinets to find food, pots and pans and dishware. Look for drawers and cabinets that provide easy access to these items.
- Quick Access. Consider adding carousels (Lazy Susans) to corner cabinets for spice and food storage. Under cabinet trash disposal and recycling pullouts should be included in your plan.
- Recipes and Cookbooks. Plan areas to organize cookbooks. Computerize your recipe files. Here’s a tip for cherished family recipes - frame them; a favorite recipe in your grandmother’s handwriting will be treasured for generations.
- Sinks. Sinks are the most important fixture of a kitchen. Choose them wisely. Consider depth, faucet styles, utility and ease of cleaning. Don’t forget to select a waste disposal. If you have children, choose a waste disposal with safety features.
- Tiles. Floor and backsplash tiles can be used very creatively. If you are using tile on the floor, consider non-skid products. When you’re choosing tiles, don’t forget to select the grout as well.
- Under Counter Appliances and Storage. If you are adding additional refrigerator space consider installing a beverage refrigerator under a counter. A mixer can be stored in base cabinets with a pop-up shelf to free counter space.
- Ventilation. When selecting cooktops and ovens consider ventilation. Ventilation hoods come in a range of styles and some cooktops use down-draft ventilation. Your choice should be factored into your kitchen design.
- Wet Bars and Wine Storage. A space dedicated to beverage storage and glassware is always a plus in a kitchen.
- Xtra Ideas. A kitchen remodeling project is a big investment. Take the time to read product reviews especially when it comes to appliances and consumer information about kitchen remodeling projects. Read what others are saying. Sources you may want to check out are Better Homes and Gardens' Kitchen Bath Ideas, HGTV Kitchens and our Kitchens Gallery.
- Your Personal Touches. Choose colors fabrics, wall decorations, kitchen collections and other items that reflect your likes, interests and lifestyle.
- Zones. When you put together the plan for your kitchen think about the way you want to use your space and plan around “zones” for food prep, clean up, dining, storage, baking, beverages, paperwork etc. The National Kitchen and Bath Association offers an online “Kitchen and Bath Workbook” to help you plan your project.
Take your time when planning a kitchen remodel to address all the details. If the list seems overwhelming, consider hiring a design/build contractor to walk you through it.
Did we leave anything out? What do you have on your kitchen “wish list”?
Posted on Tue, Jul 27, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
We’ve all heard contractor horror stories – from cost overruns to shoddy work. It’s not unexpected in this industry since virtually anyone with a truck and tools can call themselves a contractor. In fact, quite a few of our customers came to us because of dissatisfaction with their contractor.
After listening to our fair share of stories over the years, we decided it was time to develop a guide to help consumers understand how the remodeling business works and to arm them with the questions they should ask any potential contractor. The guide – “10 Things You Must Know Before Hiring a Remodeling Contractor” – was developed with our friend and colleague, Stephen Nash, President of Upscale Remodeling in Ithaca.
We feel so strongly about this topic that we’re making our guide available free to anyone to download on our Web site. The guide comes with a handy checklist we created to assist you in planning your next home remodeling or renovation project. We hope you will take advantage of this offer – and tell your friends and neighbors about it.
Here are the topics we address in the Guide:
Part I. Steps to Successfully Hiring a Contractor
1. What makes a remodeling project successful.
2. What to look for in a contractor.
3. 21 Questions you should ask to select the right contractor.
4. 13 Questions to ask a contractor’s references.
5. Factors contractors consider in estimating the cost of a project.
6. How to ensure the success of a project.
Part II. Things to Avoid in Hiring a Contractor
7. What to watch out for.
8. The 6 most common misconceptions about home remodeling.
9. 16 Questionable practices some contractors use to lower project costs.
10. Costly mistakes homeowners often make.
As always, we welcome your feedback and comments.
Posted on Tue, Jul 06, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
If you’ve had a child with a broken leg, parents who are experiencing problems with walking or if you have had an injury or surgery which has impeded your mobility, you know that entering and exiting buildings can be a problem. There is nothing more frustrating than being unable to enter or exit your home easily.
When considering new construction or remodeling your home, consider designs that accommodate residents at all levels of ability and at life’s various stages. In the construction and remodeling business, designing for easy access is referred to as “Universal Design.” The living space should be usable by all regardless of age, size or abilities.
Here are some tips for making entryways secure and easy to access:
- Add lights to pathways and entryways to your home.
- Install flood lights with motion sensors and lights with photoelectric eyes that automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn.
- Check walkways frequently to be sure they’re in good condition. Repair holes, cracks, loose pavers and unlevel areas of sidewalks and paths.
- Install handrails on both sides of steps.
- Install lever style door handles.
- Install no step, no trip thresholds near doors.
- Exterior doors should be 36 inches wide to allow for 32 inches of clearance.
- There should be at least one no-step entry into a home.
- Consider non-slip flooring in the foyer.
- Install a peep hole at an appropriate height for residents for security.
- If needed, install ramps to doorways. The slope of a ramp should be no greater than a 1 inch rise for each foot of length and there should be handrails. A 5 foot landing should be built at the entrances and a ramp should have 2 inch curbs for safety. Ramps can be built to look attractive and to complement the architecture of a home.
For more information, check out these Web sites:
Posted on Tue, Jun 29, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
A friend of mine was talking about the experience of caring for her elderly mother and noted, "I never thought our family home (a two story cape, built in the early 1950s) could be so hazardous." One of her most difficult tasks was helping her mother to the bathroom. "The bathroom is next door to her bedroom but with her walker the halls and doorways are too narrow. Although we installed grab bars and purchased a shower seat, it's hard to lift her into the tub. I don't know how long she will be able to live at home."
Homes can become hazardous not only for older adults but even for those with temporary mobility impairments like a teen who breaks a leg in football practice or a person recovering from surgery.
If you're planning to update or remodel a bathroom consider the following "Universal Design" adaptations to improve access and safety in your home:
- Install a no-threshold walk-in shower or mini-threshold water dam shower with minimum dimensions of 5 feet by 3 feet.
- Add a built-in shower seat.
- Place grab bars in the shower, tub and near the toilet.
- Install several showerheads, including a hand-held adjustable height showerhead with easy to operate controls.
- Widen the doorway to 36 inches in the bathroom entrance.
- If possible, allow for maneuvering space. Ideally, allocate space to accommodate a 60 inch turning radius.
- Replace twist handle faucets with lever handle, anti-scald faucets.
- Consider installing a pedestal sink. Not only are they attractive, but the sink is accessible to those in your home who use a walker, wheelchair or crutches.
- If you are installing a vanity, mount the sink bowl close to the edge for easier use and select cabinetry with easy-glide drawers that close automatically.
- Toilets should be centered 18 inches from any sidewall, tub or cabinet and the seat should be 18 to 19 inches off the floor for older persons, lower for children.
- Replace round door knobs with lever handle knobs.
- Install lighting to provide good visibility when using the shower, tub, sink and toilet. Also, add a night light.
Many bathrooms are part of a master bedroom suite or located just outside the bedroom. To make your bedroom space more accommodating:
- Add a night light.
- Install additional electrical outlets to accommodate technology or future medical equipment.
- Fit closets with multi-level clothing rods or multi-level pull-out drawers and shelving. Don't use bi-fold doors on closets because they can be difficult to open and close.
The television show "This Old House" has an interesting "how-to" video on Choosing Universal-Design Bath Fixtures. Also, AARP offers a home accessibility checklist for bathrooms.
Posted on Tue, Jun 22, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Recently I met with a client who wanted to remodel a kitchen. Her house was built in 1958 and the kitchen layout and cabinets were original to the home. She told me it wasn't a practical design. She had to get down on her hands and knees to access the lower cupboards, the work triangle didn't provide for modern appliances, food prep space was scarce, the sink had an old fixture that lacked a spray to clean dishes, and the faucet was too low to fill large pots. When she was preparing meals, she often banged her head on an exhaust hood placed over a cook top on a peninsula.
This homeowner, who is a "Baby Boomer", plans to live in the house for another 20 years. She wants the kitchen to work for her today and in the future. She's also concerned about installing any "accessibility" features that might affect the resale value of her home.
If you can relate to this situation and are planning to remodel your kitchen, consider the following ideas to enhance the function, safety and value of your home:
- If your plans include "gutting" a kitchen, reframe doorways and allow at least 36 inches for clearance and easy access.
- Install multi-height, rounded edge countertops so household members can work either standing or sitting.
- Install storage with pull-out shelves, carousels and adjustable height shelving to keep you off your knees and from stretching on your toes and losing your balance when you reach in the back of upper cabinets for stored goods and dishware.
- Add a stove top "pot filler" water fixture to your cooking area so you won't have to lift heavy water filled pots and carry them from the sink to the stove.
- Place your garbage disposal switch in a location where it is easily accessible.
- Install built-in storage space for recyclables and trash.
- Add anti-scald faucets with lever handles to your sinks.
- Use D-shaped or pull-style cabinet and drawer pulls.
- When selecting a refrigerator, consider an easy access side-by-side model or an under-counter drawer-style unit.
- A drawer-style dishwasher will reduce the need for bending.
- Add extra electrical outlets for small appliances, including under the counter for easy access.
- Install bright non-glare task lighting over work areas, -sink, stove and counters.
Before you remodel, consult a kitchen designer or a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist about your needs and options. They are knowledgeable about aesthetics and details that you may not have considered. More information about "Universal Design" ideas for kitchens is available on the American Association of Retired Persons Web site.
Posted on Tue, Jun 15, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Over the course of time, we experience many changes in our lifestyles and our homes must evolve to adapt to these changes. If you're a parent of young children worried about home safety, a family caregiver attending to the needs of elderly parents, or a person with a disability, you'll want your home environment to accommodate your lifestyle.
"Universal Design" is a concept that considers the home environment of individuals at all stages of life by eliminating barriers and installing products everyone can use. Construction and design professionals realize that people go through changes and we work with homeowners to create attractive environments for all people to function in regardless of age, size or abilities.
Here are some general tips for making your home user-friendly throughout the years. I will be writing about "Universal Design" room-by-room in upcoming blog posts and welcome your questions and comments.
- Entryways can present obstacles. One step-free entrance to your home will ease access and safety.
- Add handrails to existing steps and porches. Falls often occur in these areas.
- Use lever-style handles to make opening doors easy for all.
- Install flush thresholds when installing carpeting and flooring to eliminate tripping hazards.
- Wide doorways and halls simplify life for everyone. Doorways at least 36 inches wide make it easy to move furniture or appliances into the home and accommodate people with wheelchairs or walkers. Hallways at least 42 inches wide give a home a spacious look and make it easier to maneuver and move furnishings.
- Install rocker light switches to turn lights on and off with ease. Place light switches 42 to 48 inches from the floor where everyone can reach them.
- Place electrical outlets 18 to 20 inches off the floor.
- Install thermostats no higher than 48 inches off of the floor.
- Create a laundry area on the first floor. Purchase raised front-loading washing machines and dryers to avert bending and back strain.
- Install lever-style faucets on sinks.
- Install windows that can be opened and closed easily.
- Consider single story living if you are building or purchasing an existing home.
For more information about Universal Design, check out the Web sites of the National Association of Home Builders and the American Association of Retired Persons.
Posted on Tue, Jun 01, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Patios are the perfect place for outdoor entertaining. Today's patios provide a focal point that connects a home to a garden and are important to a home's landscape. According to Better Homes and Gardens (July 2010), patios originated in Egypt as courtyards. Look around your yard, are there features in your landscape you want to complement? Materials for patios are varied and include:
- Concrete. Concrete is eco-friendly and provides a flat, durable patio surface that requires a minimum of maintenance. Stamped concrete can produce the look of flagstone, bricks, pavers and other textures.
- Pavers. Pavers are made from materials such as natural stone, brick and concrete. They are a popular choice for patios because they inexpensive and can be easily installed. Pavers come in many styles, shapes and colors which resist fading and are easy to maintain. Pavers are also produced in a concrete flagstone design which provides the look of natural stone at a fraction of the cost.
- Flagstone. Flagstone is sedimentary rock cut or split into layers for paving patios or walkways. Many of us in central New York are familiar with flagstone because it is mined in New York and Pennsylvania. Typical colors of flagstone are blue, red and buff. Flagstone is extremely durable and does require annual care since it can darken due to sediment build up, algae and mold. Sediment and debris can be removed with a power washer to restore the stone to its luster. You may also have to re-set stones with sand if they loosen. Flagstone is more expensive that other patio materials and may be more expensive to install. If you plan to reside in your home for a long period of time, flagstone is a worthwhile investment.
- Terra-cotta tiles. Terra cotta tiles are ceramic tiles that were hand-molded for outdoor use in France hundreds of years ago. Terra cotta tiles can provide an elegant look to your patio. Ceramic tiles are durable and come in a variety of shapes and colors. They do become slippery when wet and are not a good choice around pool areas.
- Brick. Patio bricks come in varied sizes, colors and patterns. Bricks can be installed in a variety of patterns and are classic patio materials. Bricks can also be used for patio walls and garden edging.
- Wood blocks. Wood blocks are probably the least expensive material to use as a patio surface. Use only pressure treated lumber, redwood or cedar heartwood. Blocks can be sliced with a circular saw to create an even surface. Wood block patios and walkways are rustic and often used in woodland cabins and summer camps.
No matter which product you choose, remember one of the most important elements to making a patio last is proper base preparation including the type of base materials, amount of base materials, level and compaction of base materials and good drainage.
Patios require level ground. Patios integrate the beauty of a garden with the exterior of a home. Consider adding features like a fire pit, outdoor fireplace, a garden wall, plantings areas and a water fall to your patio design.
Posted on Tue, May 18, 2010
Posted by: Brian Ciota, Vice President
Decks are a great way to add outdoor living space to your home. A deck can be as simple as a grade-level platform that stands on its own a few inches above the ground or as intricate as multi-tiered structures with steps, railings, pergolas, trellises and built-in features such as tables, benches, planters and hot tubs. If you are planning to add a deck to your home consider the following:
- What are your needs? Do you plan to use the space for outdoor dining and entertaining? Will you need built-in seating? Will you add planter boxes? Do you plan to place a hot-tub in the space? Will you include special features like a fire pit or an outdoor kitchen? Consider storage needs too. Benches and planters are great places for built-in hide-away storage.
- Where do you plan to place the deck? Outdoor living areas are often built off of kitchens, living rooms or family rooms to maximize use. You should also consider sun exposure and shade. In Central New York, a deck placed on the south or west facing side of a home will optimize the warmth of the sun. If you want to avoid the sun, deck surfaces can become hot and unusable during 90-degree days, build your outdoor space in a north or east facing area. Also consider privacy.
- Think about size. What type of outdoor furniture do you plan to use on the deck? Measure the furniture and allow space for pulling out chairs and walking around. Include space for a grill. If you will be adding a hot tub, fire pit or outdoor kitchen factor the dimensions of those features into your plan. According to Better Homes and Gardens' July 2010 Remodel Magazine, "the average deck size is 12x24 feet." Decks that are smaller tend to be more costly per square foot.
- Complement the design of your home. You may want to consider hiring a designer to help you plan your deck project. A deck that blends with the architecture of your home will add value. The style of your home will dictate the types of materials and accents to use in the project. For example, a contemporary style deck would look odd on a white colonial home. But a deck built with white rails and architectural elements similar to those on the house will add to its appeal. A designer could advise you on product options and how to optimize your outdoor living space.
- Choose materials wisely. Homeowners have a range of options for decking materials. Pressure treated woods remain the most popular because they are cost-effective and have a life of 10 to 15 years. The downside is that pressure treated wood needs annual cleaning and staining. Composite decking is more expensive than wood and holds up for 15 to 25 years. It usually requires cleaning to prevent mildew growth and may require staining depending on wood content. Vinyl is the most durable decking product and has a life from 25 to 50 years. Its cost is comparable to composite and it requires the least amount of maintenance, a periodic hosing. One of the advantages of composite and vinyl decking is that you won't get splinters on your feet. Consider looks, durability, maintenance and finally, cost when selecting decking.
Check out these links for more information about decking products:
Composite decking
Correct Deck
Trex
Thermal Industries Dream Composite
Vinyl Decking
Azek
Thermal Industries PVC/Vinyl Dream Deck
- Include lighting in your plans. Deck lighting can include wall sconces adhered to an exterior wall, accent lights around the perimeter, post lights, or flood lights affixed to a roof awning or placed near the base of a deck. Put switches indoors if possible for convenience and consider using dimmers and timers. You may want to include solar lighting and a bug zapper.
- Plan landscaping. Spending 5 percent of the total value of your home on landscaping can add 15 percent or more to the value of your home (SmartMoney magazine). If you are landscaping for privacy choose tall, easy to maintain bushes or trees which can also provide shade. If you add a trellis use climbing plants to enhance the beauty of your deck. The easiest way to add color is to place containers of showy annuals and vegetables on the deck. Don't forget to water because containers dry out quickly.
- Plan for maintenance. Minimally, each spring you will need to clear your deck of debris and dirt. You will need to hose it off or, in the case of wood, use a pressure washer. Dirt can be removed with a stiff scrub brush and commercial cleaners. If there is mold growth, use an oxygen bleach cleaner. Wood decks will need to be stained annually. After cleaning, let the deck dry out for three days before applying stain.
- Plan a budget for your project. The average cost of a wood deck for a mid-range project is $11,260, while the cost of a composite deck is $15,890 (Remodeling magazine). This estimate is based on a 16x20 foot deck project with a bench, planter, railing and steps. For an upscale deck project using composite decking, the average cost is $39,270. This project is based on a 16x20 foot deck with a 10 foot diameter six-sided platform, a bench, planter, rail system and stairs. If the initial cost is too much, you might be able to save money by doing your outdoor project in stages. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, talk with your contractor about the best way to achieve the results you desire. Also, consider the added value to your home and the payback.